Helmet trouble

**Ameiko** · 10-09-2009 12:02 PM

I've been longboarding for about a year now and up until a week ago I've been putting off buying a helmet or safety gear like a total idiot. I just started to learn how to slide so that was one huge push to get a helmet and the fact that a close friend of mine just fractured her hip in three places falling off a board downhill really got me thinking of my own personal well-being.

So this is my current problem, I found a helmet that would suit me perfectly but I'm in between sizes. I measured my melon and I'm pushing a scoosh past 21.5" and small is 21 - 21.5" however medium starts at 22" - 23". I don't want to tilt my head and have the helmet slide around but I also don't like the idea of having a constant migraine from it being too tight all the time.

Seeing as how I have no real helmet wearing experience I thought I'd ask some of the peeps around here for a little advise to get me started the right (and smart) way that I've been neglecting to do.

Thanks in advance!
-Ame-

**8ftbed** · 10-09-2009 12:09 PM

If you have to, buy one that's a little too big. You can add foam strips to make it fit.

Get it too small and it'll sit and collect dust due to pain.

edit to add: if at ALL possible, try 'em on first. Online shopping is killer unless you've got the skull they modeled the helmet after. If you're a bowling ball, egg, wedge or flat head, it's hard to get one that will fit ordering online.

personal experience and I've got a couple of dust collectors to prove it.

**zionboard** · 10-09-2009 12:43 PM

I know pro-tec delivers some extra lining with their sxp-helmets to ensure good fitting
link to picture - could not be embeded: Pro-Tec Ace Ryan Guettler - Sick Lines Gallery
They sell replacement "fit kit" - padding as well to further customise the fit.

**Ameiko** · 10-09-2009 01:20 PM

Thanks for all the great information. I went with a 22 - 23" Triple 8 Brainsaver Adam Taylor from Daddiesboardshop.com and will just buy some extra foam padding if it's not snug enough. I was originally going to go ahead and get the 21 - 21.5" but after reading what 8ftbed had to say it really convinced me to slightly bigger and then adjust it to my fit.

Thanks again for all the information on how to save my noggin!